From almost quitting cricket to chasing 400 runs and a trophy – the inspiring journey of Shashank Singh

Chasing a Goal – and a Promise from AB de Villiers

Shashank Singh is having the season of his life in IPL 2025. Representing Punjab Kings, the batter is on a mission – and it’s driven by a personal promise from his childhood hero, AB de Villiers.

Just before Punjab Kings resumed their campaign against Rajasthan Royals, Shashank had scored 214 runs in 11 matches. But he had a bigger target in mind: 400 runs.

Why 400?

Because AB de Villiers told him, “If you get to 400, I will publicly tell the world that I’m your biggest fan.”

Shashank, inspired and determined, responded with confidence: “Give me four games, I’ll get those runs.

Belief Before the Breakthrough

At the time of this chat with AB de Villiers, Punjab hadn’t sealed their playoff spot. But Shashank was optimistic. He believed not only would Punjab qualify, but they would finish in the top two.

He eventually reached his goal and it took five games — three league games and at least two playoff games — to do it.

And what happened next

In the very next game after that chat, Shashank blazed an unbeaten 59 off 30 balls. That took his career total to 273 – just 127 runs shy of 400. Right now, form and confidence wise — he is well on track

A Comeback Story Full of Grit

Shashank’s ascent is all the more inspiring when you consider where he started. Not too long ago, he was only on the bench at Rajasthan Royals for well over 28 games.

“I doubted myself. I even considered giving up on cricket,” he acknowledged.

But the support of family and friends sustained him. He was eventually bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022 and delivered for them, including hitting three sixes off Lockie Ferguson in a row. Still, he wasn’t retained.

“That was the lowest point. I considered moving to the US and launching a business. I didn’t feel like cricket in India was for me.’”

It was once again the people around him who kept him focused and believing in his dream. 

Beginning with Punjab Kings

His return to the game took another mad turn when he was bought by the Punjab Kings in 2024 — then they realised they bought the wrong guy! But despite the turmoil, Shashank seized the opportunity.

He broke out in 2024 and was one of only two players kept by Punjab in 2025. 

This season, he has looked very good in the lower middle-order. Only four times has he been dismissed and he has a stellar average of 68.25. He’s overseen 115 runs scored in just 57 balls across his past three innings.

More Than Just Runs – A Trophy Lifting Dream

As he gets closer to that 400-run mark and fulfills AB de Villiers’ promise, Shashank has set his sights on something much greater – helping his franchise win their maiden IPL title for Punjab Kings.

“I want it so bad,” he says. “I’ve visualised it. I’ve dreamed of it.”

And with competition such as the Punjab Kings being in good form and Shashank also batting at his best, that dream isn’t far away.

Final Word

Shashank Singh’s IPL 2025 adventure isn’t just about belief but also resilience and inspiration. From nearly abandoning the game that is his passion, to being only a few runs shy of a personal milestone and potential championship win, he’s a living example of what passion combined with self-belief can accomplish.

And who knows? We could see AB de Villiers come out in a few days saying he’s Shashank’s biggest fan.